A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 476

“Thank you for everything, Cole.”

Cole shook his head, dark circles under his eyes and exhaustion etched across his face, but there was still an unwavering resolve in his gaze.

“Try to get some rest. If you collapse right when Lessie wakes up, what will I do with you?” Karen said, her voice gentle and full of concern. “I’ll go home and make some nourishing soup for you. Just look at yourself you’re worn to the bone. If Lessie wakes up and sees you like this, it’ll only make her feel worse.”

She reached up to ruffle his hair, the gesture tender and maternal, her eyes brimming with worry.

“I’m alright, Aunt Karen. I feel calmer sitting with Lessie,” Cole replied softly. He hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in days.

Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Alessia as she’d been carried out from the wreckage. Each time he startled awake, his hands would tremble, and only by her side, watching the erratic lines on the monitor and her pale face, did he find the strength to steady himself.

Karen and Brendan knew better than anyone how deep the bond between Cole and Alessia ran, how much they had supported each other to make

it this far.

out of his vigil. Instead, they did what little they could–bringing him food, coaxing him to

was all they could

whack to Cole’s shoulder, startling Karen and Brendan. Cole simply took the blow without complaint, his face docile and

even think to tell me! Am I just some old relic

13

Chapter 476

red–rimmed, his voice gruff with accusation, but underneath was

or explanations, just bowing his head. He looked so young and so heartbreakingly

window, gazing at Alessia lying motionless in

wakes up, I’m going to give her a talking–to. She should be living a carefree life, taking over my old practice, enjoying herself–instead, she insists on taking the weight of the world

Brendan exchanged a look, lips pressed

Alessia too well; she was never going to be the kind of child content to let life pass her by. She had ambition, grit, and a determination that nothing could shake. Even if she had to live through this a hundred times, she’d make the same choices–only

was Alessia: never backing down, always stepping forward to shield others, never mind that she was still just

so still, so lifeless, left a hollow

strong, self–assured–always the one who made you want to follow her lead. She was a wild rose, thorns and